Seven individuals who completed the Basic Tour Guide Course received certificates during a ceremony at the Setia Pahlawan Hall of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) yesterday.
Guest of honour, Permanent Secretary at the MPRT Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab handed over the certificates.
The course from October 13-23 marks the 17th intake since the programme was introduced in 2016 as a prerequisite to obtain a tour guide license under the Tourism Development Department.
Since its inception, 245 tour guides have been registered with the department.
Organised jointly by the Tourism Development Department and Laksamana College of Business, the course aimed to strengthen guiding skills, ensure the delivery of quality services, uphold accurate information sharing, and expand employment opportunities for locals, particularly youth.
Graduates of the Basic Tour Guide Course are required to submit applications to the Tourism Development Department to obtain an official tour guide license.
Under Section 20(3) of the Tourism Act, Chapter 239, it is an offence for unregistered or unlicensed individuals to provide tour guide services. Offenders face fines of up to BND5,000 for a first offence and up to BND10,000 for subsequent offences.
The demand for qualified tour guides remains high, in line with the Brunei Darussalam Tourism Industry Roadmap, which emphasises the development of a professional and competent workforce to support the nation’s growing tourism sector.
